At waste transfer stations, municipal solid waste is unloaded from garbage trucks. Then the waste is usually compacted and loaded into a larger vehicle, such as a transfer trailer, intermodal container, railcar, or barge. In these larger vehicles the waste is shipped to a final disposal site; which is usually a landfill, waste-to-energy plant, or a composting facility. In this manner, loads from several garbage trucks are combined into a single shipment. The waste is not stored long-term at waste transfer stations; usually the waste is loaded into a larger vehicle within hours.
While waste transfer stations can be an efficient system for getting waste to distant disposal sites, they can be problematic for the community they are located in. There is increased traffic of garbage trucks, and there can be complaints about odors or unsightliness. Some studies have shown that transfer stations are disproportionately sited in low income neighborhoods and those with high populations of people of color.
Waste Transfer Stations are governed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. You can learn more, and contact DEC by going to this page
If you live in the New York City area, consider getting involved with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYCEJA). NYCEJA founded the Organization of Waterfront Neighborhoods (OWN), a city-wide coalition of groups to fight for an environmentally sound, fiscally responsible and equitable solid waste plan for New York City.